Single-Digit Temperatures Are Here: How to Protect Your Home From Frozen Pipes

traverserenovation
Feb 7
4 min read

When temperatures drop into the single digits, frozen pipes become one of the most stressful winter problems for homeowners. It often happens suddenly, usually overnight, and the damage can be extensive before you even realize there’s an issue.

The good news is that preventing frozen pipes doesn’t require major upgrades or expensive equipment. A few simple habits during extreme cold can make a big difference.

Why Pipes Freeze

Pipes freeze when cold air surrounds them long enough for the water inside to turn into ice. As the ice forms, it expands and creates pressure inside the pipe. That pressure is what causes pipes to crack or burst—sometimes far from where the ice actually formed.

The most vulnerable pipes are usually:

Plumbing on exterior walls
Pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics
Kitchen and bathroom sinks near windows
Outdoor hose connections

Simple Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Start by keeping your heat on, even if you’re not home. Setting your thermostat no lower than about 55°F helps keep warm air circulating around hidden plumbing. Turning the heat off completely is one of the most common reasons pipes freeze.

On especially cold nights, letting a faucet drip can help. It doesn’t need to be much—just a slow, steady drip. Moving water is far less likely to freeze than water sitting still in a pipe.

Opening cabinet doors under sinks is another easy step that many homeowners overlook. This allows warm air from your home to reach the pipes, which is especially helpful for sinks located on exterior walls.

If you have exposed pipes in basements, garages, or utility rooms, insulating them is a smart move. Foam pipe sleeves are inexpensive and easy to install, but even wrapping pipes with towels can provide temporary protection during extreme cold.

Take a few minutes to check for cold drafts near plumbing. Small gaps around hose bibs, foundation penetrations, or windows can let in freezing air. Sealing those gaps with caulk or foam helps keep cold air out and warm air in.

Outdoor hoses should always be disconnected in winter. If possible, shut off the interior valve that feeds the outdoor spigot and drain any remaining water. This is one of the simplest ways to avoid a burst pipe.

If your home has plumbing running through the garage, keeping the garage door closed during cold snaps can also help reduce the risk.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Sometimes pipes give you a warning before they freeze completely. Reduced water pressure, no water flow at all, or visible frost on exposed pipes are all signs to take seriously. Strange cracking or banging sounds can also indicate ice forming inside a pipe.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to act quickly rather than wait.

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts

If a pipe freezes or bursts, the most important thing is to act quickly. Water damage spreads fast, but the right steps—and the right calls—can limit how bad it gets.

Start by shutting off your home’s main water supply immediately. This stops additional water from flooding the area. Every homeowner should know where this shutoff valve is located before an emergency happens.

If water is near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances, turn off electricity to the affected area for safety.

Who to Call, When, and Why

First: A licensed plumber. Call a plumber as soon as you suspect a frozen or burst pipe. Their job is to locate the problem, stop the leak, and repair or replace the damaged pipe. This step comes first because the water source must be controlled before anything else can be fixed.

Second: A water damage restoration company (if water spreads). If water has soaked into drywall, flooring, ceilings, insulation, or cabinets, a restoration company should be called right away. Their role is to stop further damage by extracting water, properly drying affected areas, and controlling hidden moisture. This step is critical because moisture trapped behind walls or under floors can lead to mold growth and structural issues if it isn’t addressed quickly.

Third: Before signing anything, homeowners should read restoration contracts carefully. Some contracts include language that automatically assigns the same company to perform the rebuild or repairs without first providing a detailed, itemized estimate. These clauses can limit your ability to choose your own contractor and may reduce transparency in how insurance funds are allocated.

It’s important to understand that some restoration companies work closely with insurance carriers and may prioritize insurance-approved scopes rather than the full repair needs of the home. Homeowners have the right to review estimates, ask questions, and choose who performs the reconstruction—separate from the emergency drying work if they wish.

Final Thoughts

Single-digit temperatures don’t have to mean major damage. A little preparation before and during extreme cold can protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.

If you’re unsure whether your plumbing is at risk or you’ve already noticed warning signs, it’s always better to address the issue early rather than deal with the aftermath of a burst pipe later.

When reconstruction is needed, who you choose to work with matters. At Traverse Renovations LLC, our focus is on the homeowner—not the insurance company. We work directly with you throughout the rebuilding process, review and double-check remediation work, and help you navigate the insurance process so the scope of repairs reflects what your home actually needs.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that insurance payouts often cover only a portion of real reconstruction costs. In some cases, insurance approvals may fall well below the true cost of materials and labor, leaving homeowners responsible for the difference—even though premiums are paid month after month. That gap can be frustrating and overwhelming.

Our role is to help close that gap as much as possible by documenting the full scope of work, supporting accurate pricing, and helping secure proper funding. In past projects, this approach has helped homeowners recover a significantly higher percentage of the true rebuild cost.

Choosing the right contractor isn’t just about repairs—it’s about protecting your investment and making sure your home is restored the right way.